Mzansi Rugby League takes SARU to court
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The standoff between the Mzansi Rugby League (MRL) and South African Rugby Union (SARU) has reached its boiling point.
The Mzansi Rugby League said on Friday it was launching legal action against SARU and MyPlayers.
The league claims both organisations have made false statements aimed at discrediting the fledgling competition.
The MRL was formally launched in South Africa last month, although it has been in the planning stages for months and will only kick off in 2027.
The 16-team league, based in nine provinces, promotes itself as the new home for South Africa’s next generation of talent.
It offers salaries between ZAR 15,000 and ZAR 30,000 per month, as well as premium medical aid coverage.
However, since the launch, the venture has received strong pushback from the South African Rugby Union and the trade union MyPlayers.
According to MRL, both parties have sought to “delegitimise” the league, warning players against joining and suggesting that the competition is unsafe or unauthorised.
MRL has strongly rejected these claims, describing them as “false” and demanding a public apology from MyPlayers.
“We are not looking for a fight. We are asking for accountability. Every day that these false claims remain uncorrected, the damage to our business, our players, and the communities we serve continues to grow.
“We are calling on MyPlayers to retract their statements and issue a clear apology.
“Our players have the right to choose where they play rugby.
“Our communities deserve opportunities. And our league deserves to compete fairly without intimidation.”
The league confirmed that legal action has been initiated against both SARU and MyPlayers.
“MRL leadership has confirmed that they have formally filed a defamation suit against SA Rugby and MyPlayers.
“The summons has been issued and is with the Sheriff for service.”
The statement added: “The MRL remains focused on hosting trials, growing the league, and delivering on our mission.
“The legal process will run its course, but our priority is clear: building a future where more South Africans can benefit from the game we all love.”
Last month, in an exclusive interview with Rugby365, Renaldo Bothma, the former Namibian captain and co-founder of Mzansi Rugby League, said they are busy securing funding from abroad.
The Directors of Rugby of the 16 teams will be announced in January, and there will be trials in June next year.
“After the trials, there will be a draft system, and the players will be allocated to the different franchises.
“We have a big team on the ground trying to secure stadiums and facilities.”
READ THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
Mzansi Rugby League Calls on MyPlayers to Retract Misleading Claims
The Mzansi Rugby League (MRL) was founded to create a new pathway for players, coaches, referees, and communities across South Africa. Our goal is simple: open more doors in rugby, create jobs, and bring professional opportunities to towns and cities that have long been left out of the system.
In recent weeks, statements from SA Rugby and MyPlayers have attempted to delegitimize the MRL, warning players against joining and suggesting our competition is unsafe or unauthorised. These claims are false. They harm our reputation, spread fear among players, and create unnecessary doubt for sponsors who want to support the league.
Today, MRL leadership has confirmed that they have formally filed a defamation suit against SA Rugby and MyPlayers. The summons has been issued and is with the Sheriff for service.
We are not looking for a fight. We are asking for accountability. Every day that these false claims remain uncorrected, the damage to our business, our players, and the communities we serve continues to grow.
We are calling on MyPlayers to retract their statements and issue a clear apology. Our players have the right to choose where they play rugby. Our communities deserve opportunities. And our league deserves to compete fairly without intimidation.
We see ourselves as the lone wolf standing up to the pack leader, not for our own survival, but to make sure the whole pack thrives. By standing up now, we are standing for every young player, coach, and supporter who dreams of seeing rugby opportunities expand across South Africa.
The MRL remains focused on hosting trials, growing the league, and delivering on our mission. The legal process will run its course, but our priority is clear: building a future where more South Africans can benefit from the game we all love.
